Mary Loretta Hartley, professionally known as Mariette Hartley, was born in Weston, Connecticut, a place that would later shape her life and career. Growing up, she was raised according to the principles of her grandfather, John B. Watson, a renowned behavioral psychologist who believed that children should never be held or cuddled. This unusual upbringing had a profound impact on Mariette, driving her to seek solace in the world of theatre.
She went on to study under the tutelage of esteemed instructors, including John Houseman at the Repertory Stratford and Eva Le Gallienne at Lucille Lortel's White Barn Theatre. It took Mariette six long years to land her first film role, Ride the High Country (1962),alongside the legendary Joel McCrea.
Throughout her career, Mariette has made numerous television appearances and sitcoms, but it is her iconic series of Polaroid commercials with James Garner that has cemented her place in the public eye. However, Mariette's personal life has been marked by tragedy. Her father's suicide in 1962, which her family kept secret for 25 years, had a profound impact on her life.
Mariette's experiences led her to co-found a suicide prevention foundation, a testament to her resilience and determination. She has continued to work in the theatre, hosting the syndicated Wild About Animals (1995) in 2000.
Mariette is a proud mother of two children, Justine E. Boyriven (born 1978),an actress and singer, and Sean Boyriven (born 1975),a film-school graduate.
